Colleges & Campus News

CFHLA Helps UCF Hospitality Students Meet & Greet Local Hoteliers

The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association is the world’s largest regional hotel association, representing approximately 80% of the hotels in Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties and over 117,000 of their employees. To help prepare the future leaders of Central Florida’s lodging industry, the CFHLA will begin hosting a weekly meet & greet series between local lodging executives and students at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

The CFHLA Hotel Meet & Greet, which will be held 13 times throughout the Spring 2013 semester, will feature a different executive each week from some of Central Florida’s busiest hotels. While this event isn’t an interview opportunity, students will still be able to network with some of Central Florida’s leading hospitality executives, gain valuable career advice, and discuss industry trends, tips and strategies.

“This opportunity is another CFHLA commitment to hospitality education,” said CFHLA President and CEO Richard Maladecki. “Lodging executives and members of their management team will be available weekly to discuss ‘real life’ hospitality experiences. Importantly, UCF Hospitality students should take advantage of this networking vehicle, to maximize their career options.”

The CFHLA Hotel Meet & Greet will be held every Tuesday afternoon, beginning on Jan. 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the CFHLA Student Lounge (room 202), located on the UCF Rosen College campus, near the heart of Orlando’s tourism district, International Drive.

The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association has provided educational opportunities and financial support for the UCF’s Hospitality Management program for decades, including a $100K donation in 2012 – the largest gift ever awarded by the CFHLA.

“I sincerely thank the CFHLA for their continued support of our programs and students,” said Dr. Abraham Pizam, dean of UCF’s Rosen College. “It is because of their generosity, leadership, and dedication that UCF’s Rosen College remains a leader in hospitality management education.”